ABSTRACT
Research into memory and epilepsy has focused on measuring problems and exploring causes with limited attention directed at the role of neuropsychological rehabilitation in alleviating post-operative memory difficulties.
Objectives
To assess the effects of a memory rehabilitation program in patients with left temporal lobe epilepsy following surgery.
Methods
Twenty-four patients agreed to participate and 18 completed the study; nine received memory rehabilitation while nine had no input and were designated as controls. Verbal learning efficiency, naming abilities, memory subjective ratings, ecological activity measures and a language fMRI paradigm were used as outcome measures.
Results
Improved verbal learning and naming test performance, increase in memory strategy use and improved self-perception were observed following the rehabilitation. Changes in fMRI activation patterns were seen in the rehabilitation group over the long term.
Conclusion
The findings support the potential role of a cognitive rehabilitation program following left temporal lobe surgery.
epilepsy, temporal lobe; memory; neurologic rehabilitation; anterior temporal lobectomy
